Foot pedal for a trolling motor assembly

ABSTRACT

A user input assembly for controlling operation of a trolling motor assembly including a propulsion motor, the user input assembly having an input device housing defining a top surface that is configured to receive a user&#39;s foot thereon, wherein the top surface defines a left edge and right edge, a support plate, wherein the input device housing is pivotably mounted to the support plate, and a switch that is selectively secured to the input device housing in one of a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is proximate the left edge of the input device housing, the second position is proximate the right edge of the input device housing, and the switch is movable between an open position and closed position so that the power is supplied to the propulsion motor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a divisional of U.S.non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/835,752, entitled “FootPedal for a Trolling Motor Assembly,” filed Dec. 8, 2017, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to trolling motorassemblies and, more particularly, to systems, assemblies, andassociated methods for providing remote operation of a trolling motorassembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trolling motors are often used during fishing or other marineactivities. The trolling motors attach to the watercraft and propel thewatercraft along a body of water. For example, trolling motors mayprovide secondary propulsion or precision maneuvering that can be idealfor fishing activities. The trolling motors, however, may also beutilized for the main propulsion system of watercraft. Accordingly,trolling motors offer benefits in the areas of ease of use andwatercraft maneuverability, among other things. That said, furtherinnovation with respect to the operation of trolling motors isdesirable. Applicant has developed systems, assemblies, and methodsdetailed herein to improve capabilities of trolling motors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Depending on the desired activity, an operator or user of the watercraftwith the trolling motor may wish to remotely operate the trolling motor(e.g., not have to be positioned directly adjacent the trolling motorand/or have “hands free” control thereof). In this regard, the user maywant to utilize a user input assembly such as, but not limited to, afoot pedal.

Existing foot pedal assemblies for controlling the operation of trollingmotors typically have a “momentary button” disposed thereon that allowsfor intermittent operation of the trolling motor by depressing thebutton with the user's foot. As well, known foot pedal assemblies mayinclude a graduated “speed wheel” that allows a user to vary the speedof the motor's propeller when the pedal is operated. However, inexisting foot pedal assemblies, both the momentary button and the speedwheel have fixed positions on either the left of right side of theassembly, which may not be the user's preferred side. Moreover, existingassemblies do not allow the speed of the trolling motor to be variedusing only the momentary button. Specifically, known momentary buttonsfunction as ON/OFF switches, with any variation in speed requiring auser to operate the speed wheel. Known foot pedal assemblies are alsoeither fixed to the deck of the corresponding watercraft or left loosein cases where the trolling motor is secured to the watercraft with aquick release assembly. Thus, embodiments of the present invention seekto provide foot pedal assemblies that allow for the position of themomentary button and speed wheel to be selected by the user, variablespeed operation of the trolling motor via the momentary button, and/orboth quickly securing and releasing the foot pedal assemblies from thecorresponding watercraft.

An example embodiment of the present invention provides a user inputassembly for controlling operation of a trolling motor assembly having apropulsion motor. The user input assembly comprises a support plate, aninput device housing pivotably mounted to the support plate, wherein theinput device housing defines a top surface that is configured to receivea user's foot thereon, and the top surface defines a left edge and rightedge. A switch is selectively secured to the input device housing in oneof a first position and a second position, the first position isproximate the left edge of the top surface of the input device housing,and the second position is proximate the right edge of the top surfaceof the input device housing. The switch is movable between an openposition and a closed position, and the switch is biased to one of theopen position and the closed position. Power is supplied to thepropulsion motor when the switch is moved from one of the biased openposition to the closed position and the biased closed position to theopen position.

In some embodiments, the user input assembly further comprises amounting structure, and the switch is secured to the mounting structure.The mounting structure is removably secured to the top surface of theinput device housing, and the mounting structure is rotatable withrespect to the input device housing so that the switch is movable fromthe first position to the second position.

In some embodiments, the user input assembly further comprises a speedwheel, wherein the speed wheel is rotatably secured to the mountingstructure, and the speed wheel is rotatable over a range of operatingspeeds of the propulsion motor.

In some embodiments, the user input assembly further comprises amounting structure, wherein the mounting structure is removably securedto the top surface of the input device housing. The mounting structuredefines a first aperture that is configured to removably receive theswitch.

In some embodiments, the mounting plate further defines a secondaperture configured to removably receive the switch and the switch ispositionable in either of the first aperture and the second aperture.

In some embodiments, the switch further comprises a pressure sensor thatis configured to detect an amount of force applied to the switch by auser. The amount of force applied to the switch is related to a desiredoperating speed of the propulsion motor.

In some embodiments, the user input device is a foot pedal assembly andthe pressure sensor further comprises a depressable button.

Another example of the present invention provides trolling motor systemcomprising a trolling motor assembly with a propulsion motor and apropeller, wherein the propulsion motor is variable speed and configuredto rotate the propeller at a desired speed in response to an electricalsignal. A navigation control device comprises a user input assemblydefining a top surface that is configured to receive a user's footthereon, wherein the top surface defines a left edge and a right edge.The user input assembly further includes a switch that is selectivelysecured to the user input assembly in one of a first position and asecond position, and the first position is proximate the left edge ofthe top surface of the user input assembly, and the second position isproximate the right edge of the top surface of the user input assembly.The switch is movable between an open position and a closed position,the switch is biased to one of the open position and the closedposition, and power is supplied to the propulsion motor when the switchis moved from one of the biased open position to the closed position andthe biased closed position to the open position. The switch isconfigured to detect user activity related to controlling the speed ofthe propulsion motor. The trolling motor system further comprises aprocessor configured to determine the desired speed based on useractivity detected by the switch of the user input assembly, generate aspeed input signal, the speed input signal being an electrical signalindicating the desired speed, direct the propulsion motor, via the speedinput signal, to rotate the propeller via the propulsion motor at thedesired speed based on the speed indicated in the speed input signal.

In some embodiments, the user input assembly further comprises a supportplate, an input device housing pivotably mounted to the support plate,and a mounting structure, wherein the switch is secured to the mountingstructure and the mounting structure is removably secured to a topsurface of the input device housing. The mounting structure is rotatablewith respect to the input device housing so that the switch is movablefrom the first position to the second position.

In some embodiments, the user input assembly further comprises a speedwheel, and the speed wheel is rotatably secured to the mounting plate.The speed wheel is rotatable over a range of operating speeds of thepropulsion motor.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor system further comprises amounting structure, and the mounting structure is removably secured tothe top surface of the user input assembly, and the mounting structuredefines a first aperture that is configured to removably receive theswitch.

In some embodiments, the mounting plate further defines a secondaperture configured to removably receive the switch and the switch ispositionable in either of the first aperture and the second aperture.

In some embodiments, the user input assembly is a foot pedal assemblyand the switch further comprises a pressure sensor. The pressure sensoris configured to detect an amount of force applied to the pressuresensor by a user and provide a force value based on the detected amountof force, and the processor is further configured to determine thedesired speed based on the force value.

Yet another example embodiment of the present invention provide a footpedal assembly for controlling operation of a trolling motor assemblythat is secured to a corresponding watercraft. The foot pedal assemblycomprises a foot pedal including a top surface that is configured toreceive a foot of a user, a base plate that is configured to be affixedto the watercraft, and at least one locking element configured toreleasably attach the foot pedal to the base plate.

In some embodiments, at least one locking element comprises a pluralityof locking elements, and each locking element includes a projection anda corresponding aperture for releasably receiving the correspondingprojection. Each projection is secured to the foot pedal and eachcorresponding aperture is disposed in a fixed position on thewatercraft. Each projection is releasably received by the correspondingaperture so that the foot pedal is secured to the watercraft, and eachprojection is configured to be selectively removed from thecorresponding aperture by the user without a tool.

In some embodiments, each projection further comprises a latch thatdepends downwardly from a bottom surface of the foot pedal, and eachlatch includes a lever that is configured to allow the user to rotatethe corresponding latch between a lock position in which the latch bothextends into and is secured within the corresponding aperture, therebysecuring the foot pedal to the watercraft, and a release position inwhich the user may remove the corresponding latch from the correspondingaperture.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor system further comprises a footpedal mounting plate defining a plurality of apertures, each latch isrotatably received in a corresponding aperture of the foot pedalmounting plate. The foot pedal is affixed to the foot pedal mountingplate.

In some embodiments, the base plate is affixed to the watercraft with afirst plurality of fasteners, and the foot pedal is affixed to the footpedal mounting plate with a second plurality of fasteners.

In some embodiments, the plurality of locking elements comprises one ofcam locks, spring locks and snap locks.

Another example embodiment of the present invention provides a trollingmotor system comprising a trolling motor assembly with a propulsionmotor and a propeller, wherein the propulsion motor is variable speedand configured to rotate the propeller at a desired speed in response toan electrical signal. A navigation control device comprises a user inputassembly defining a top surface that is configured to receive a user'sfoot thereon, and the user input assembly includes a switch that ismovable between an open position and a closed position. The switch isbiased to one of the open position and the closed position, and power issupplied to the propulsion motor when the switch is moved from one ofthe biased open position to the closed position and the biased closedposition to the open position. The switch is configured to detect useractivity related to controlling the speed of the propulsion motor. Thetrolling motor system further comprises a processor configured todetermine the desired speed based on user activity detected by theswitch of the user input assembly, generate a speed input signal, thespeed input signal being an electrical signal indicating the desiredspeed, and direct the propulsion motor, via the speed input signal, torotate the propeller via the propulsion motor at the desired speed basedon the speed indicated in the speed input signal.

In some embodiments, the user input assembly is a foot pedal assemblyand the switch further comprises a pressure sensor. The pressure sensoris configured to detect an amount of force applied to the pressuresensor by the user and provide a force value based on the detectedamount of force, and the processor is further configured to determinethe desired speed based on the force value.

In some embodiments, the foot pedal assembly further comprises one of aspeed wheel and a linear input device. The speed wheel is rotatable overa range of operating speeds of the propulsion motor and the linear inputdevice is slidable over a range of operating speeds of the propulsionmotor.

In some embodiments, the foot pedal assembly further comprises a footpedal housing, a support plate, the foot pedal housing being pivotablymounted to the support plate, and a mounting structure, wherein thepressure sensor is secured to the mounting structure and the mountingstructure is removably secured to a top surface of the foot pedalhousing. The mounting structure is rotatable with respect to the footpedal housing so that the pressure sensor is movable from a firstposition to a second position with respect to the foot pedal housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example trolling motor assembly attached to afront of a watercraft, in accordance with some embodiments discussedherein;

FIG. 2 shows an example trolling motor assembly configured for controlby either a foot pedal or by hand, in accordance with some embodimentsdiscussed herein;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an example foot pedal assembly for atrolling motor assembly, in accordance with some embodiments discussedherein;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the example foot pedal assembly shown onFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded, perspective view of the example foot pedalassembly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded, perspective view of an alternate example footpedal assembly for a trolling motor assembly, in accordance with someembodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an alternate example foot pedalassembly for a trolling motor assembly, in accordance with someembodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an alternate example foot pedalassembly for a trolling motor assembly, wherein the foot pedal assemblyis selectively removable from a base plate, in accordance with someembodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the example foot pedal assembly shown inFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a side view of an alternate example foot pedal assemblyfor a trolling motor assembly, in accordance with some embodimentsdiscussed herein;

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram illustrating an example system of atrolling motor assembly and a navigation control device, in accordancewith some embodiments discussed herein; and

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of an example method for positioning a sensoron a user input assembly for a trolling motor, in accordance with someexample embodiments;

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of an example method for releasably securing auser input device on a watercraft, in accordance with some exampleembodiments; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of an example method for controllingoperation of a trolling motor in accordance with some exampleembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention now will be describedmore fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure willsatisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer tolike elements throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example watercraft 10 on a body of water 15. Thewatercraft 10 has a trolling motor assembly 20 attached to its front,with a trolling motor 50 submerged in the body of water. According tosome example embodiments, the trolling motor assembly 20 may include apropulsion motor 50 and a propeller 52, and a navigation control deviceused to control the speed and the course or direction of propulsion. Thetrolling motor assembly 20 may be attached to the bow of the watercraft10 and the propulsion motor 50 and propeller 52 may be submerged in thebody of water. However, positioning of the trolling motor assembly 20need not be limited to the bow, and may be placed elsewhere on thewatercraft 10. The trolling motor assembly 20 can be used to propel thewatercraft 10 under certain circumstances, such as, when fishing and/orwhen wanting to remain in a particular location despite the effects ofwind and currents on the watercraft 10. Depending on the design, thepropeller 52 of a trolling motor assembly may be driven by a gas-poweredengine or an electric motor. Moreover, steering the trolling motorassembly 20 may be accomplished manually via hand control on via footcontrol. While FIG. 1 depicts the trolling motor assembly 20 as being asecondary propulsion system to the main engine 11, example embodimentsdescribed herein contemplate that the trolling motor assembly 20 may bethe primary propulsion system for the watercraft 10.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example trolling motor assembly 100 that iselectric and preferably controlled with a foot pedal assembly 130 (e.g.,trolling motor assembly in FIG. 11). The trolling motor assembly 100includes a shaft 102 defining a first end 104 and a second end 106, atrolling motor housing 108 and a main housing 110. The trolling motorhousing 108 is attached to the second end 106 of the shaft 102 and atleast partially contains a propulsion motor 111, or trolling motor, thatconnects to a propeller 112. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments,when the trolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft 10 andthe propulsion motor 111 (or trolling motor housing) is submerged in thewater, the propulsion motor is configured to propel the watercraft totravel along the body of water. In addition to containing the propulsionmotor 111, the trolling motor housing 108 may include other componentssuch as, for example, a sonar transducer assembly and/or other sensorsor features (e.g., lights, temperature sensors, etc.).

The main housing 110 is connected to the shaft 102 proximate the firstend 104 of the shaft 102 and includes a hand control rod 114 thatenables control of the propulsion motor 111 by a user (e.g., throughangular rotation) although the foot pedal assembly 130 is the preferredmethod of controlling the operation of the trolling motor assembly 100.As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, when the trolling motorassembly is attached to the watercraft and the propulsion motor 111 issubmerged in the water, the main housing 110 is positioned out of thebody of water and visible/accessible by a user. The main housing 110 maybe configured to house components of the trolling motor assembly, suchas may be used for processing marine data and/or controlling operationof the trolling motor, among other things. For example, with referenceto FIG. 11, depending on the configuration and features of the trollingmotor assembly, the trolling motor assembly 100 may contain, forexample, one or more of a processor 116, sonar assembly 118, memory 120,communication interface 124, an autopilot navigation assembly 126, aspeed actuator 128, and a steering actuator 129 for the propulsion motor111.

As noted, in some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly 100 includesa foot pedal assembly 130 that is electrically connected to thepropulsion motor 111 (such as through the main housing 110) using acable 132. Referring also to FIG. 11, the foot pedal assembly 130 mayenable a user to steer and/or otherwise operate the trolling motorassembly 100 to control the direction and speed of travel of thewatercraft. Further, depending on the configuration of the foot pedalassembly, the foot pedal assembly 130 may include an electrical plug 134that can be connected to an external power source.

The trolling motor assembly 100 may also include an attachment device127 to enable connection or attachment of the trolling motor assembly100 to the watercraft. Depending on the attachment device used, thetrolling motor assembly 100 may be configured for rotational movementrelative to the watercraft, including, for example, 360 degreerotational movement.

As detailed herein, embodiments of the present invention provide a footpedal assembly configured for remotely controlling a trolling motorassembly. In this regard, the foot pedal may include various features,such as, but not limited to, a “momentary button” and/or “speed wheel”that can be selectively positioned on either the left or right side ofthe foot pedal assembly by the operator. Moreover, embodiments of footpedal assemblies in accordance with the invention may be readilyreleasable from the deck of the watercraft to which the foot pedalassembly is secured (e.g., to facilitate the security of the foot pedalassembly when not in use). Additionally, some embodiments of thedisclosed foot pedal assembly may include a variable speed feature thatis activated via the corresponding momentary buttons.

FIGS. 3 through 4 show an example implementation of a user inputassembly of a navigation control device according to various exampleembodiments in the form of a foot pedal assembly 130. The foot pedalassembly 130 may be one example of a user input assembly that, in someembodiments, includes a switch in the form of a pressure sensor 143(FIG. 11) operated by a depressable momentary button 142 and/orpivotable foot pedal 136 (although in some embodiments, there may be nopressure sensor within the foot pedal assembly). The foot pedal assembly130 may be in operable communication with the trolling motor assembly100, via, for example, the processor 180 as described with respect toFIG. 11. Foot pedal assembly 130 includes a lever in the form of thefoot pedal 136 that can pivot about a horizontal axis in response tomovement of, for example, a user's foot. The foot pedal assembly 130further includes a support plate 138 and a deflection sensor 182 (FIG.11). The deflection sensor 182 may measure the deflection of the footpedal 136 and provide an indication of the deflection to, for example,processor 180. In some embodiments, a speed input signal having anindication of a rate of rotation for the propeller 112 may be ultimatelyprovided to the speed actuator 128 (FIG. 11) via a wired or wirelessconnection. The momentary switch 144 may, in some embodiments, form anON/OFF button to selectively provide power to the foot pedal assembly130. As detailed herein, in some embodiments, the momentary switch 144may be configured or otherwise interact with a pressure sensor (or thelike) to enable speed control of the trolling motor.

According to some example embodiments, the measured deflection of thefoot pedal 136 may be an indication of the desired direction for thepropulsion motor. In this regard, a user may cause the foot pedal 136 torotate or deflect; and rotation of the foot pedal 136 in thecounterclockwise direction (such that the left side of the illustratedfoot pedal is tilted down) may cause the propulsion direction to turn tothe left while rotation of the foot pedal 136 in the clockwise direction(such that the right side of the illustrated foot pedal is tilted down)may cause the propulsion direction to turn to the right.

While the foot pedal assembly 130 is shown as including the foot pedal136 to control the rotation of the propulsion direction, the foot pedalassembly 130 also includes propulsion speed controls on the foot pedalassembly 130. As previously noted, in some embodiments, a pressuresensor (switch) for controlling the speed of the propeller 112 via thepropulsion motor 111 may be operated by a user via the depressablemomentary button 142. In some embodiments, as a user depresses thebutton 142 onto the corresponding pressure sensor, a pressure, or force,may be applied to the pressure sensor and the sensor measures the amountof pressure. As the amount of pressure on the button 142 is increased,the amount of pressure measured by the pressure sensor also increases.The speed of the propeller may be a function of the magnitude of theforce measured by the pressure sensor. In this regard, as the amount offorce exerted on the pressure sensor by the button 142 increases, thespeed of the propeller 112 may also increase, for example,proportionally based on a linear or exponential function.

As shown, in some embodiments, the variable speed feature of thetrolling motor assembly 100, as controlled by the depressable button 142may be used in cooperation with the speed wheel 140. For example, thespeed wheel 140 may be used to select a scale number between “0” and“10,” thereby limiting the top end speed of the trolling motor assembly100 that is achievable via depressing the button 142. For example, wherea trolling motor assembly 100 has a maximum speed of 10 mph when thespeed wheel 140 is set on scale number “10,” the maximum speedachievable by the trolling motor assembly 100 will only be 5 mph whenthe speed wheel 140 is set on scale number “5.” In short, a userexerting the same amount of force on the pressure sensor via the button142 at a speed wheel setting of “5” will only cause the propeller 112 torotate at half the speed than when the speed wheel is set on “10.” Note,the use of a scale from “0 to 10” is only selected for the sake ofexample, other scales may be used to represent the range of speedsselectable by the user. As well, in alternate embodiments a linear-typeinput device, such as a slide, may be utilized rather than therotary-type speed wheel to input speed control commands.

As well, in some example embodiments, the speed wheel 140 may be used toselect a range of speeds within which the trolling motor assemblyoperates. For example, in addition to, or in place of; the previouslydiscussed scale of “0” to “10,” the speed wheel 140 may include rangesof speeds such as, but not limited to, “0-3,” “3-6” and “6-10.” As such,if a user select the range of “3-6,” the trolling motor assembly willoperate within that range when activated. Note, the noted ranges do notnecessarily reflect actual speeds unless the top speed achievable by thetrolling motor assembly 100 happens to be 10 mph.

Further, along similar lines, in some embodiments, the speed wheel maybe utilized to enable or disable use of the momentary button forvariable speed control. For example, the speed wheel may have a“variable” speed setting that enables such operation of the momentarybutton. In such a regard, in some embodiments, when disabled, themomentary button may revert back to simple ON/OFF functionality.

According to some example embodiments, a change with respect to time inthe amount of force exerted on the pressure sensor 142 may be used toindicate a desired rate of speed for the propulsion motor 111. In thisregard, if the button 142 is rapidly depressed, for example, from anorigin position to being fully depressed, then the speed of thepropulsion motor would be high. For example, with respect to the footpedal assembly 130, if a user was to stomp on the button 142 to generatea rapid change in the force as measured by the pressure sensor withrespect to time, then a high rate of desired speed may be determined bythe processor 180. Likewise, if a user slowly depresses the button 142,then the processor 180 may determine a lower speed.

In some embodiments, instead of pressure sensors, the button 142 mayoperate to control speed based on time. In such an example embodiment,as a user depresses the foot pedal 136 onto the switch, the switch maytransition to an active state. Further, a user may hold the foot pedal136 in that position for a duration of time. The duration of time may bemeasured and as it increases, the speed of the propeller 112 mayincrease. In other words, holding the foot pedal 136 down longer cancause the speed of the propulsion motor to increase.

While the above example embodiments utilize pressure sensors thatmeasure pressure, and duration of time of pressing, some embodiments ofthe present invention contemplate other types of sensors for correlatingto a desired speed (e.g., capacitive, among others). Additionally, insome embodiments a separate user input could be used to define the speed(e.g., a separate button that could be pressed, toggled, moved, ordialed to define a desired speed). Further, while the above exampleembodiments utilize a foot pedal, some embodiments of the presentinvention contemplate use with other systems/structures, such as a touchscreen, a user input assembly on the trolling motor or a remote marineelectronics device.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 through 5, example embodiments of foot pedalassemblies in accordance with the present invention may include adepressable momentary button 142 that may be positioned on either theleft or the right side of the housing of the foot pedal assembly 130.Depending on the desired configuration, the momentary button 142 maycontrol whether power is supplied to the propulsion motor and/or thecorresponding speed of the propulsion motor. As shown, the button 142 ispositioned on the left side of the foot pedal assembly 130. As best seenin FIG. 5 the button 142 is disposed on a mounting structure 146 that isremovably secured to the housing of the foot pedal 136 by a mountingstrap 148.

In some embodiments, a pressure sensor that corresponds to thedepressable button 142 is also disposed on the mounting structure 146.Note, however, the pressure switch may alternately be mounted to thehousing of the foot pedal 136.

As indicated by the arrows 141 in FIG. 5, the mounting structure 146 isrotatable with respect to the housing of the foot pedal 136 such thatthe depressable button 142 may be disposed on either the left side orthe right side of the foot pedal assembly 130. Once rotated to thedesired position, the mounting structure 146 is disposed in a recess 147formed in the top surface of the foot pedal 136 and secured thereto bythe mounting strap 148 that is received in corresponding recesses 137and 147 formed in the housing of the foot pedal 136 and the mountingstructure 146, respectively. Preferably, the mounting strap 148 issecured to the housing of the pedal assembly 136 in via a snap-fit,although it may be secured thereto by threaded fasteners, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, a unitarily formedmounting structure 246 may perform the functions of both the mountingstructure 146 and the mounting strap 148 discussed with regard to theprevious embodiment. As mounting structure 246 is not rotatable withrespect to the housing of the foot pedal 136, a pair of apertures 149and 151 is formed in the left side and the right side of the mountingstructure 246, respectively. Each of the pair of apertures 149 and 151is configured to selectively receive the depressable button 142 thatengages the corresponding pressure switch. Preferably, a plug 150 havingthe same dimensions as the depressable button 142 is provided so thatthe plug 150 is also removably disposed in the apertures 149 and 151.Preferably, the plug 150 is disposed in the aperture that does notinclude the depressable button 142. As with the previously discussedembodiments, in some embodiments, the pressure switch that correspondsto the button 142 may either be disposed within the mounting plate 246or may be disposed within the housing of the foot pedal 136.

In some embodiments, the button 142 and/or plug 150 may be configured tobe received directly within the foot pedal housing 136 without amounting structure 246. In such embodiments, the housing 136 may defineapertures 149 and 151.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the speed wheel 140 may bemounted directly to the mounting structure 346, which in turn is securedto the housing of the foot pedal 136 by the mounting strap 148. As such,the speed wheel 140 may be disposed on either the left side or the rightside of the foot pedal assembly 100 by rotation of the mountingstructure 346 with respect to the housing of the foot pedal 136. Asshown, the mounting structure 346 may include a pair of apertures 349and 351 that are configured to selectively receive either thedepressable button 142 or the plug 150, as previously discussed. Assuch, a user may select to position the depressable button 142 and thespeed wheel 140 on either the left side or the right side of the footpedal assembly 100, independently of each other.

In some embodiments, the housing of the foot pedal 136 may include oneor more electrical connection points 139 that are configured to receiveone or more electrical connections, such as from the depressable button142 and/or speed wheel 140. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGS.5 and 6, the electrical connection point 139 may be positioned proximatethe center of the housing of the foot pedal 136, such as with respect tothe mounting structure 146. In such example embodiments, one or moreelectrical connections from the mounting structure 146 and/or directlyfrom the depressable button 142 and/or speed wheel 140 can be pluggedinto the electrical connection point 139 prior to selecting the desiredposition of the depressable button 142 and/or speed wheel 140. In someembodiments, multiple electrical connection points may be provided(e.g., one on each side of the housing of the foot pedal 136), such asto facilitate selective receipt of corresponding electrical connectionsfrom the depressable button 142 and/or speed wheel 140.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, in some embodiments the foot pedalassembly 430 may include a lock assembly 160 that is configured toreleasably secure the foot pedal assembly 430 to the deck of thecorresponding watercraft. For example, an embodiment may include a baseplate 168 that is secured to the deck of the watercraft with a pluralityof threaded fasteners 170, such as screws. The base plate 168 preferablyincludes a plurality of slots 164 that are configured to receivecorrespondingly shaped latches 162 that are rotatably secured to thesupport plate 138 of the foot pedal assembly 430. As shown, latches 162are movable between a release position (R) and a lock position (L) by auser through the manipulation of corresponding levers 166. As shown, thelatches 162 need only be rotated through approximately 90 degrees toboth engage and disengage the latches 162 from the base plate 168. Tosecure the foot pedal assembly 430 to the base plate 168, a userpositions the levers 166 in the release position (R) and inserts thelatches 162 into the corresponding slots 164 of the base plate 168. Withthe latches 162 fully inserted, each latch 162 is then engaged with thebase plate 168 by rotating its corresponding lever 166 to the lockposition (L). To release the foot pedal assembly 430 from the base plate168, the user simply rotates each lever 166 to its release position (R)and lifts upwardly on the foot pedal assembly 430. Note, althoughlatches are discussed as a preferred embodiment, alternate embodimentsof the foot pedal assembly 430 may be secured to the corresponding baseplate 168 with cam locks, spring locks, snap locks, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the foot pedal assembly530 may be releasably secured to the base plate 168 via a foot pedalmounting plate 172 that is disposed between the support plate 138 of thefoot pedal assembly 530 and the base plate 168. In this embodiment, thefoot pedal mounting plate 172 allows for a foot pedal assembly that isconfigured to be secured to the deck of a corresponding watercraft bythreaded fasteners 170, such as screws, to instead be releasably securedto the corresponding base plate 168 utilizing the lock assembly 160 ofthe foot pedal mounting plate 172. Similarly to the previously discussedembodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the base plate 168 includes a plurality ofslots 164, with the base plate 168 being secured to the deck of thecorresponding watercraft with threaded fasteners 170. Foot pedalmounting plate 172, to which the support plate 138 of the foot pedalassembly 130 is secured with threaded fasteners 170, includes aplurality of latches 162 which include a corresponding plurality oflevers 166 to allow for hand-operation by a user. With foot pedalassembly 530 fixedly attached to the foot pedal mounting plate 172, thefoot pedal mounting plate is secured to the base plate 168 by insertionof the latches 162 into the slots 164, and rotation of the latches 162via the corresponding levers 166 to the lock position (L) as previouslydiscussed. To release the foot pedal assembly 530 from the base plate168, the latches 162 are simply aligned with the corresponding slots 164by rotating the levers to the release position (R), and the foot pedalassembly 530 is lifted upwardly away from the base plate 168.

Example System Architecture

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a trolling motor assembly 100 incommunication with a navigation control device 131. As described herein,it is contemplated that while certain components and functionalities ofcomponents may be shown and described as being part of the trollingmotor assembly 100 or the navigation control device 131, according tosome example embodiments, some components (e.g., the autopilotnavigation assembly 126, portions of the sonar assembly 118,functionalities of the processors 124 and 180, or the like) may beincluded in the other of the trolling motor assembly 100 or thenavigation control device 131.

As depicted in FIG. 11, the trolling motor assembly 100 may include aprocessor 116, a memory 120, a speed actuator 128, a steering actuator129, a propulsion motor 111, and a communication interface 124.According to some example embodiments, the trolling motor assembly 100may also include an autopilot navigation assembly 126 and a sonarassembly 118.

The processor 116 may be any means configured to execute variousprogrammed operations or instructions stored in a memory device such asa device or circuitry operating in accordance with software or otherwiseembodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., aprocessor operating under software control or the processor embodied asan application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmablegate array (FPGA) specifically configured to perform the operationsdescribed herein, or a combination thereof) thereby configuring thedevice or circuitry to perform the corresponding functions of theprocessor 116 as described herein. In this regard, the processor 116 maybe configured to analyze electrical signals communicated thereto, forexample in the form of a speed input signal received via thecommunication interface 124, and instruct the speed actuator to rotatethe propulsion motor 111 (FIG. 2) and, therefore, propeller 112 (FIG. 2)in accordance with a received desired speed.

The memory 120 may be configured to store instructions, computer programcode, trolling motor steering codes and instructions, marine data (suchas sonar data, chart data, location/position data), and other data in anon-transitory computer readable medium for use, such as by theprocessor 116.

The communication interface 124 may be configured to enable connectionto external systems (e.g., trolling motor assembly 100, a remote marineelectronic device, etc.). In this manner, the processor 116 may retrievestored data from remote, external servers via the communicationinterface 124 in addition to or as an alternative to the memory 120.

The processor 116 may be in communication with and control the speedactuator 128. Speed actuator 128 may be electronically controlled tocause the propulsion motor 111 to rotate the propeller at various rates(or speeds) in response to respective signals or instructions. Asdescribed above with respect to speed actuator 128, speed actuator 128may be disposed in either the main housing 110 or the trolling motorhousing 108, and is configured to cause rotation of the propeller inresponse to electrical signals. To do so, speed actuator 128 may employa solenoid configured to convert an electrical signal into a mechanicalmovement.

The propulsion motor 111 may be any type of propulsion device configuredto urge a watercraft through the water. As noted, the propulsion motor111 is preferably variable speed to enable the propulsion motor 111 tomove the watercraft at different speeds or with different power orthrust.

According to some example embodiments, the autopilot navigation assembly126 may be configured to determine a destination (e.g., via input by auser) and route for a watercraft and control the steering actuator 129,via the processor 116, to steer the propulsion motor 111 in accordancewith the route and destination. In this regard, the processor 116 andmemory 120 may be considered components of the autopilot navigationassembly 126 to perform its functionality, but the autopilot navigationassembly 126 may also include position sensors. The memory 120 may storedigitized charts and maps to assist with autopilot navigation. Todetermine a destination and route for a watercraft, the autopilotnavigation assembly 126 may employ a position sensor, such as, forexample, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor. Based on the route,the autopilot navigation assembly 126 may determine that different ratesof turn for propulsion may be needed to efficiently move along the routeto the destination. As such, the autopilot navigation assembly 126 mayinstruct the steering actuator 128, via the processor 116, to turn inaccordance with different rates of turn as defined in a planned route.According to some example embodiments, a rate of turn during a route maybe a function of, for example, the prevailing winds, ocean currents,weather considerations, or the like at the location of the turn.

The sonar assembly 128 may also be in communication with the processor116, and the processor 116 may be considered a component of the sonarassembly 118. The sonar assembly 118 may include a sonar transducer thatmay be affixed to a component of the trolling motor assembly 100 that isdisposed underwater when the trolling motor assembly 100 is operating.In this regard, the sonar transducer may be in a housing and configuredto gather sonar data from the underwater environment surrounding thewatercraft. Accordingly, the processor 116 (such as through execution ofcomputer program code) may be configured to receive sonar data from thesonar transducer, and process the sonar data to generate an image basedon the gathered sonar data. In some example embodiments, the sonarassembly 118 may be used to determine depth and bottom topography,detect fish, locate wreckage, etc. Sonar beams, from the sonartransducer, can be transmitted into the underwater environment andechoes can be detected to obtain information about the environment. Inthis regard, the sonar signals can reflect off objects in the underwaterenvironment (e.g., fish, structure, sea floor bottom, etc.) and returnto the transducer, which converts the sonar returns into sonar data thatcan be used to produce an image of the underwater environment.

As mentioned above, the trolling motor assembly 100 may be incommunication with a navigation control device 131 that is configured tocontrol the operation of the trolling motor assembly 100. In thisregard, the navigation control device 131 may include a processor 180, amemory 184, a communication interface 186, and a user input assembly130.

The processor 180 may be any means configured to execute variousprogrammed operations or instructions stored in a memory device such asa device or circuitry operating in accordance with software or otherwiseembodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., aprocessor operating under software control or the processor embodied asan application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmablegate array (FPGA) specifically configured to perform the operationsdescribed herein, or a combination thereof) thereby configuring thedevice or circuitry to perform the corresponding functions of theprocessor 180 as described herein. In this regard, the processor 180 maybe configured to analyze signals from the user input assembly 130 andconvey the signals or variants of the signals, via the communicationinterface 186 to the trolling motor assembly 100 to permit the trollingmotor assembly 100 to operate accordingly.

The memory 184 may be configured to store instructions, computer programcode, trolling motor steering codes and instructions, marine data (suchas sonar data, chart data, location/position data), and other data in anon-transitory computer readable medium for use, such as by theprocessor 180.

The communication interface 186 may be configured to enable connectionto external systems (e.g., communication interface 124, a remote marineelectronics device, etc.). In this manner, the processor 180 mayretrieve stored data from a remote, external server via thecommunication interface 186 in addition to or as an alternative to thememory 184.

Communication interfaces 124 and 180 may be configured to communicatevia a number of different communication protocols and layers. Forexample, the link between the communication interface 124 andcommunication interface 186 any type of wired or wireless communicationlink. For example, communications between the interfaces may beconducted via Bluetooth, Ethernet, the NMEA 2000 framework, cellular,WiFi, or other suitable networks.

According to various example embodiments, the processor 180 may operateon behalf of both the trolling motor assembly 100 and the navigationcontrol device 131. In this regard, processor 180 may be configured toperform some or all of the functions described with respect to processor116 and processor 180 may communicate directly to the autopilotnavigation assembly 126, the sonar assembly 118, the steering actuator129, and the speed actuator 128 directly via a wired or wirelesscommunication.

The processor 180 may also interface with the user input assembly 130 toobtain information including a desired speed of the propulsion motorbased on user activity. In this regard, the processor 180 may beconfigured to determine a desired speed of operation based on useractivity detected by the user input assembly 130, and generate a speedinput signal. The speed input signal may be an electrical signalindicating the desired speed. Further, the processor 180 may beconfigured to direct the speed actuator 128, directly or indirectly, torotate the shaft of the propulsion motor 111 at a desired speed based onthe speed indicated in the steering input signal. According to someexample embodiments, the processor 180 may be further configured tomodify the rate of rotation indicated in the speed input signal todifferent values based on variations in the user activity detected bythe user input assembly 130.

Various example embodiments of a user input assembly 130 may be utilizedto detect the user activity and facilitate generation of a steeringinput signal indicating a desired speed of propulsion motor. To do so,various sensors including feedback sensors, and mechanical devices thatinterface with the sensors, may be utilized. For example, a deflectionsensor 182 and a pressure sensor 143 may be utilized as sensors todetect user activity with respect to a rate of turn of the trollingmotor assembly 100 and speed of the shaft of the propulsion motor 111,respectively. Further, the foot pedal 136 and depressable momentarybutton 142 may be mechanical devices that are operably coupled to thesensors and may interface directly with a user to facilitate inputting arate of turn by the user via the user input assembly 130 (i.e. footpedal assembly).

According to some embodiments, the pressure sensor 143 may be used inconjunction with, for example, the depressable button 142 to determine aspeed of the propulsion motor 111. In this regard, the pressure sensor143 may be configured to detect an amount of force applied on thepressure sensor by a user and provide a force value to the processor 180based on the detected amount of force. In turn, the processor 180 may beconfigured to determine a desired speed based on the force value.According to some preferred embodiments, higher detected amounts offorce may indicate a higher desired speed. The rate of rotation may havea linear or exponential relationship to the force value.

According to some example embodiments, a desired speed may be determinedbased on a duration of time that a switch, such as switch 144, is in anactive position. In this regard, switch 144 may have two states, anactive state (e.g., “on”) and an inactive state (e.g., “off”). Accordingto some example embodiments, switch 144 may normally be in the inactivestate (either biased open or biased closed) and user activity, such asactuation of the foot pedal 136 or the depressable button 142, may berequired to place the switch 144 in the active state (that being closedfor biased open switches or open for biased closed switches). When inthe active state, a duration of time in the active state may be detectedand the rate of turn may be a function of the duration of time that theswitch 144 is in the active state.

Example Flowchart(s) and Operation

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for assemblingexample trolling motor assemblies described herein. Various examples ofthe operations performed in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention will now be provided with references to FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart according to an example methodassembling a user input assembly (i.e., a foot pedal assembly) accordingto an example embodiment 500. Operation 502 may comprise providing afoot pedal assembly with a selectively positionable momentary button(e.g., switch). Operation 504 may comprise providing the momentarybutton on a mounting structure that is selectively rotatable withrespect to the user input assembly. Operation 506 may comprise rotatingthe mounting structure to the desired position with respect to the userinput assembly. Operation 508 may comprise releasably securing themounting structure to the user input assembly.

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for assemblingexample trolling motor assemblies described herein. Various examples ofthe operations performed in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention will now be provided with references to FIG. 13.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart according to an example embodiment ofmounting a user input assembly (i.e., a foot pedal assembly) to awatercraft according to an example embodiment 600. Operation 602 maycomprise providing a foot pedal assembly including a releasable lockassembly. Operation 604 may comprise providing a base plate configuredto releasably receive the lock assembly. Operation 606 may compriseaffixing the base plate to the watercraft, and operation 608 maycomprise releasably securing the base plate with the lock assembly ofthe foot pedal assembly to releasably secure the foot pedal assemblythereto.

Example embodiments 700 also include methods of controlling operation ofa trolling motor assembly, as shown in FIG. 14 and discussed in theassociated description. In this regard, FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchartof various operations that may, for example, be performed by, with theassistance of, or under the control of one or more of the processor 116or 180, or with other associated components described with respect toFIG. 11 or otherwise herein and these components may thereforeconstitute means for performing the respective operations.

In this regard, the example method may include detecting user activityat a user input assembly at 702. According to some example embodiments,detecting user activity may include detecting an amount of force(pressure) on a pressure switch, detecting a rate at which an amount offorce is applied to a pressure switch with respect to time, detecting aswitch being in an active state, or the like. At 704, the example methodmay include determining a speed based on the user activity. In thisregard, determining the speed may include determining a speed based onan amount of force on a pressure sensor, a rate at which an amount ofpressure exerted on a pressure switch changes with respect to time, aduration of time that a switch is in an active state, or the like.Further, at 706, the example method may include generating, by aprocessor in operable communication with the user input assembly, aspeed input signal. In this regard, the speed input signal may be anelectrical signal indicating the desired speed. The example method mayinclude, at 708, transmitting the speed input signal to a variable speedelectric speed actuator, and, at 710, rotating a shaft of a propulsionmotor, via the variable speed electric speed actuator, at a desiredspeed based on the speed indicated in the steering input signal.According to some example embodiments, the example method may furtherinclude modifying the speed indicated in the speed input signal todifferent values based on variations in the user activity detected bythe user input assembly.

FIGS. 12-14 and the associated description illustrates a collection ofoperations of a system, method, and computer program product accordingto an example embodiment. It will be understood that each block of theflowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may beimplemented by various means, such as hardware and/or a computer programproduct comprising one or more computer-readable mediums having computerreadable program instructions stored thereon. For example, one or moreof the procedures described herein may be embodied by computer programinstructions of a computer program product. In this regard, the computerprogram product(s) which embody the procedures described herein may bestored by, for example, the memory 120 or 184 and executed by, forexample, the processor 116 or 180. As will be appreciated, any suchcomputer program product may be loaded onto a computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a machine, such that the computerprogram product including the instructions which execute on the computeror other programmable apparatus creates means for implementing thefunctions specified in the flowchart block(s). Further, the computerprogram product may comprise one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable mediums on which the computer program instructions maybe stored such that the one or more computer-readable memories candirect a computer or other programmable device to cause a series ofoperations to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus implement the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to belimited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications andother embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of theinvention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings describe example embodiments in the context ofcertain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should beappreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions maybe provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scopeof the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations ofelements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are alsocontemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific teensare employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive senseonly and not for purposes of limitation.

1. A user input assembly for controlling operation of a trolling motorassembly, wherein the trolling motor assembly comprises a propulsionmotor, the user input assembly comprising: a support plate; an inputdevice housing pivotably mounted to the support plate, wherein the inputdevice housing defines a top surface that is configured to receive auser's foot thereon, wherein the top surface defines a left edge and aright edge; and a switch that is selectively secured to the input devicehousing in one of a first position and a second position, wherein thefirst position is proximate the left edge of the top surface of theinput device housing, wherein the second position is proximate the rightedge of the top surface of the input device housing, wherein the switchis movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein theswitch is biased to one of the open position and the closed position,and wherein power is supplied to the propulsion motor when the switch ismoved from one of the biased open position to the closed position andthe biased closed position to the open position.
 2. The user inputassembly of claim 1, further comprising: a mounting structure, whereinthe switch is secured to the mounting structure, the mounting structureis removably secured to the top surface of the input device housing, andthe mounting structure is rotatable with respect to the input devicehousing so that the switch is movable from the first position to thesecond position.
 3. The user input assembly of claim 2, furthercomprising: a speed wheel, wherein the speed wheel is rotatably securedto the mounting structure, and the speed wheel is rotatable over a rangeof operating speeds of the propulsion motor.
 4. The user input assemblyof claim 1, further comprising: a mounting structure, wherein themounting structure is removably secured to the top surface of the inputdevice housing, wherein the mounting structure defines a first aperturethat is configured to removably receive the switch.
 5. The user inputassembly of claim 4, wherein the mounting structure further defines asecond aperture configured to removably receive the switch and theswitch is positionable in either of the first aperture and the secondaperture.
 6. The user input assembly of claim 5, further comprising: aspeed wheel, wherein the speed wheel is rotatably secured to themounting structure, and the speed wheel is rotatable over a range ofoperating speeds of the propulsion motor.
 7. The user input assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the switch further comprises a pressure sensor that isconfigured to detect an amount of force applied to the switch by a user,and the amount of force applied to the switch is related to a desiredoperating speed of the propulsion motor.
 8. The user input assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the user input device is a foot pedal assembly and thepressure sensor further comprises a depressable button.
 9. The userinput assembly of claim 1, wherein the switch is configured to detectuser activity related to controlling the speed of the propulsion motor.10. The user input assembly of claim 9 further comprising a pressuresensor that is positioned relative to the switch to enable a user toapply different amounts of force to the pressure sensor when providinguser activity to the switch, wherein the pressure sensor is configuredto detect an amount of force applied to the pressure sensor by a userand provide a force value based on the detected amount of force that canbe used to determine the desired speed.
 11. The user input assembly ofclaim 1 further comprising: a base plate that is configured to beaffixed to the watercraft; and at least one locking element configuredto releasably attach the support plate to the base plate.
 12. The userinput assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one locking elementcomprises a plurality of locking elements, wherein each locking elementincludes a projection and a corresponding aperture for releasablyreceiving the corresponding projection, wherein each projection issecured to the support plate and each corresponding aperture is disposedin a fixed position on the watercraft, wherein each projection isreleasably received by the corresponding aperture so that the supportplate is secured to the watercraft, and each projection is configured tobe selectively removed from the corresponding aperture by the userwithout a tool.
 13. The user input assembly of claim 12, wherein eachprojection further comprises a latch that depends downwardly from abottom surface of the support plate, and wherein each latch includes alever that is configured to allow the user to rotate the correspondinglatch between a lock position in which the latch both extends into andis secured within the corresponding aperture, thereby securing thesupport plate to the watercraft, and a release position in which theuser may remove the corresponding latch from the corresponding aperture.14. The user input assembly of claim 11, wherein the support platedefines a plurality of apertures, wherein each latch is rotatablyreceived in a corresponding aperture of the support plate.
 15. Atrolling motor system comprising: a trolling motor assembly comprising apropulsion motor and a propeller, wherein the propulsion motor isvariable speed and configured to rotate the propeller at a desired speedin response to an electrical signal; a user input assembly comprising: asupport plate; an input device housing pivotably mounted to the supportplate, wherein the input device housing defines a top surface that isconfigured to receive a user's foot thereon, wherein the top surfacedefines a left edge and a right edge; and a switch that is selectivelysecured to the input device housing in one of a first position and asecond position, wherein the first position is proximate the left edgeof the top surface of the input device housing, wherein the secondposition is proximate the right edge of the top surface of the inputdevice housing, wherein the switch is movable between an open positionand a closed position, wherein the switch is biased to one of the openposition and the closed position, and wherein power is supplied to thepropulsion motor when the switch is moved from one of the biased openposition to the closed position and the biased closed position to theopen position; and a processor configured to direct the propulsion motorto rotate the propeller.
 16. The trolling motor system of claim 15,wherein the switch is configured to detect user activity related tocontrolling the speed of the propulsion motor, and wherein the processoris further configured to: determine the desired speed based on useractivity detected by the switch of the user input assembly; generate aspeed input signal, the speed input signal being an electrical signalindicating the desired speed; and direct the propulsion motor, via thespeed input signal, to rotate the propeller via the propulsion motor atthe desired speed based on the speed indicated in the speed inputsignal.
 17. The trolling motor system of claim 16, wherein the userinput assembly is a foot pedal assembly and the switch further comprisesa pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to detectan amount of force applied to the pressure sensor by a user and providea force value based on the detected amount of force, and the processoris further configured to determine the desired speed based on the forcevalue.
 18. The trolling motor system of claim 15, further comprising: amounting structure, wherein the switch is secured to the mountingstructure, the mounting structure is removably secured to the topsurface of the input device housing, and the mounting structure isrotatable with respect to the input device housing so that the switch ismovable from the first position to the second position.
 19. The trollingmotor system of claim 15, further comprising: a mounting structure,wherein the mounting structure is removably secured to the top surfaceof the input device housing, wherein the mounting structure defines afirst aperture that is configured to removably receive the switch. 20.The trolling motor system of claim 19, wherein the mounting structurefurther defines a second aperture configured to removably receive theswitch and the switch is positionable in either of the first apertureand the second aperture.